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Lieberman To Be Unpaid Advisor For Sandy Hook Fund

— Former U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman will be an advisor to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which has more than $8 million.

People have sent checks to the United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank in the name of the Sandy Hook fund. Eventually, donations will go to an official charitable organization called the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, but until that group is formed, a "transition team" is managing its future.

Lieberman is scheduled to meet Friday with the transition team in a private meeting followed by a press conference at 11 a.m. at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St.

"First, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy," Lieberman said in a prepared statement. Referring to his wife, he said, "Hadassah and I were shocked and heartbroken when we first heard and we still are.

"I am honored to be asked to provide counsel to the team as they search for a sensible road map forward that ensures local input and oversight of the fund as well as responsible stewardship of the donations. I hope that all those involved are able to continue working together to support and strengthen the survivors and heal the community."

Lieberman will not be a member of the transition team. He will be an advisor to assist the team in communicating to the community about its work. He is not receiving compensation for his role.

The team will create a management structure for the charitable organization, and it will decide how funds are distributed. The team includes representative from the town, residents and members of the school board, the Newtown Savings Bank and the United Way of Western Connecticut.

"We are honored that Sen. Lieberman accepted our request to serve as an adviser to the transition team," Newtown Selectman Will Rodgers, who chairs the transition team, said in a prepared statement. "He knows the community well and we hope that his contributions will reassure the community and the nation that the funds will be used thoughtfully."